How the 1978 flood led to Delhi strengthening its embankments

The flood in 1978 in Delhi led to the construction of higher embankments and additional bunds, which have protected the city from subsequent floods

The flood in 1978 in Delhi, which left large parts of north, northwest, east, and southeast Delhi inundated, led to several changes in the city — the administration built higher embankments and additional bunds -- which have since protected the Capital each time the water level in the Yamuna increased significantly.

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With the water level in the Yamuna at an all-time high now, throwing normal life out of gear, officials who worked to restore normalcy in 1978 and present-day experts believe that the city might have to look at its existing embankments once again and strengthen them for the future.

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I&FC [Irrigation and Flood Control Department] was at the forefront of the rescue operations in 1978 along with deputy commissioners and the area sub-divisional magistrates. Pal said that the breach led to brainstorming sessions and decisions to not only raise the height of the embankments but also strengthen existing structures. This apart, 20 shanks and 10 bunds were added in different parts of Delhi to prevent future floods.

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“If we looked at the records, there were low embankments even in 1936. Some learnings also emerged during the 1958 and 1964 floods. In 1964, an embankment was built in the middle of Najafgarh Lake, but after 1978, the existing embankments were made higher and stronger. These were built to withstand floods higher than the existing water levels and the base was 150-200 feet wide. The grass next to the embankments also prevents soil erosion.”

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